A. De Vacqueur Fins Bois Lot 46

Not that much to say about that one, except that’s a northern Fins Bois. I don’t remember the ABV, but it was something around 49% if I’m not mistaken. 1946. Fins Bois. What could go wrong? 

Colour: Dark amber with golden lights. Irregular medium tears.

Nose: Opulent honeyed tones at first, immediately wrapped in a strong tannin structure. Bourbon vanilla and a mix of indistinct nutty notes. Light fruity shades, mainly raw quince and green banana. Hints of lilac and lychee. Quite shy overall, perhaps still gasping for air.

Palate: Oily texture, dominated again by strong vanilla. Candied citrus. Heavy wood influence, leaving a lingering impression on the palate. Hints of round pastry notes. Finishes on roasted aromas like fresh coffee bean.

Last Notes: Floral tones reappear. Nice fermented shades on fresh bread dough. Lingseed oil. A shy mandarin fruitiness in the background. Back on the palate, a few spicy notes, mainly on nutmeg, tabasco. Ends on strong cocoa powder.

Too imprecise and tannic for my taste, despite a clearly noble DNA and what was probably a very interesting terroir. Moreover, I’ve got a few other old Vacqueur cognacs to review soon…